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SANTA
MONICA, CA - Speaking in Tongues is
highly recommended and a must see. The Open Fist Theatre Company
returns with a fantastic production at a new venue and not a
moment too soon. In a co-production with the Powerhouse Theatre
Company, Speaking in Tongues provides a great night of
theater entertainment.
Written
by Andrew Bovell, Speaking in Tongues is a three act play
that weaves nine intricate characters into a ball of dramatic
emotions. Among these individuals are two married couples who
unknowingly switch partners for one night, a man who realizes
the love of his life has purposely forgotten him, a woman who
disappears on an unfamiliar road after leaving her husband an
unsettling phone message, a well educated man with no friends, a
young girl afraid of committing yet not afraid of hurting
others, and a young married man who is seen arriving home
covered in blood. These people connected by chance make ill
fated choices, and in some cases live to regret them.
The
script is unconventional as it does not follow the patterns of a
normal play. The events are first seen with two scenes
simultaneously. By the second act, the characters are thrown
back to the past, with events coinciding in present time. This
unique type of storytelling will definitely keep the audience
intrigued with the action and where the story is heading. The
only downside is the few loose ends left untied at the
conclusion of the play. One can argue the decisions of the
playwright. Either way, as long as it is being discussed, the
playwright has done his job.
Under
the direction of Stephen Spinella, the actors are in top form.
Patrick Tuttle and Anna Khaja are believable as a married couple
in trouble. Tuttle rises to the occasion with a heartfelt
monologue near the end of Act one. Aaron MacPherson is likeable
as the passive-aggressive Pete. Hepburn Jamieson hits the right
notes as Valerie, a therapist on the edge. Brian George gives a
strong performance as John, a man at the crossroads. Rounding
out the talented cast are Irina Bjorkland, Amelia Borella,
Andrew Lukich, and Dylan Maddalena.
What’s
guaranteed is excellent acting and a complex script that
challenges the audience’s way of thinking. Go see Speaking
in Tongues. |
Maestro Arts and ReviewsCopyright © 2005 The Maestro GroupAll rights reserved.Online Reviews: www.maestro.ws/arts |
